Author ProfileMary Jane Holmes

Biography:

Mary J. Holmes was born in 1825. She was one of the most popular romance story writers of the day, with her books published in weekly United States storypapers, a type of newspaper which serialized romance stories. Her first story, "Marian Gray," was an instant success. She went on to write many bestsellers before she died in 1907.

Books published by author:

After her husband dies, Lucy brings her two daughters Katy and Helen to live with her clergyman uncle. Katy catches the eye of her cousin Dr. Morris Grant who then paid for her finishing school. Now Katy is off on a grand tour of Boston and Montreal Will Morris be able to capture her heart?

Generations will grow from the grand wedding of Burton Jerrold and Geraldine Grey, no matter the reasons for their union. Births, deaths, weddings and funerals follow as their descendents struggle with marriages made for social and financial gain, and find that fortune in love means something else.

Swept in by a snowstorm, found nearly frozen, a young lady and her child have traveled far to land on Hugh's doorstep. Hugh's mother and family are wary. What is this woman to them? What is Hugh to her? And what to make of her child and the wedding band shining so boldly from her finger? These questions are only the tip of the iceberg in this intergenerational family drama.

This is a love story and the story of lives of the young, poor, rich and religious in a small village. A handsome young doctor who starts his practice in the village and quickly gets swept up in the lives of a wealthy landowner in the village, a young school teacher, a poor young school girl and a group of townspeople who seem to find great joy in keeping track of the actions of their neighbors.

This first book by Mary Jane Holmes, written in 1854, was set in the pre civil-war south. It follows two sisters - the blond Fanny and the dark-haired Julia - as they struggle through life and romance. One is superficially more beautiful, but is selfish and cold-hearted, while the second sister is less beautiful but is warm and giving.

A sister keeps a diary when her thirty year old brother guy brings home a sixteen year old bride - Miss Daisy McDonald. Life changes when expenses increase to meet the expenses of Miss McDonald. Had they both made a mistake? Or, could and should the situation be saved?

This little romance book tells the story of two young couples and their romantic adventures and misadventures. A misplaced letter and an honorable silence are attempts at keeping each of these couples apart.

Lena's mother dies in childbirth, leaving her to be raised by her relatives in Kentucky. An animal lover, high tempered and beautiful, Lena learns a surprising secret about her mother and the man that wants to adopt her. She creates her own life and finds love. The book was a best seller and became a stage play in 1914,
starring screen star Beulah Poynter. The book was also made into a movie in 1932 staring Charlotte Henry.